LED Lighting

LED means 'Light Emitting Diode' and is a semiconducter light source. LED Lighting was introduced as a practical electrical component in 1962. Early LED's emitted low intensity red light but modern versions are available across visible, ultraviolet and infra red wavelength.

LED Lighting presents many advantages over incandescent light sources including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved robustness, smaller size, faster switching and greater durability and reliability. LED lights may therefore be a wise choice when you are looking to upgrade lighting around the home.

The current operational life of a LED light is approximately 10,000 hours which is 11 years of continuous operation or 22 years at 50%! This is in stark contrast to the average life of an incandescent lightbulb which has at most 5000 hours. Also, if the light needs to be placed somewhere inaccessible then the use of an LED light would virtually eliminate the need for routine bulb replacement.

The key strength of LEDs is the reduced power consumption. When properly designed, an LED circuit will approach 80% efficiency (meaning that 80% of the electrical energy is converted to light energy) and 20% loss of heat. In comparison a normal incandescent bulb operates at 20% efficiency and 80% loss of heat.

Clearly the cost savings to run LED lights are significant. Based on a 100 watt incandescent bulb being used for 1 year you could save roughly £40 of electricity per bulb per year. This does not take into account the fact that LED lights will last a long time wheras you are likely to have to replace an incandescent bulb incurring an additional cost.

The initial outlay for an LED light is higher since the bulbs are more expensive, however the benefits are certainly available to justify this initial outlay of cost.

When considering your next lighting purchase, please do consider the benefits in the long term that LED lighting may be able to offer to you. If we can be of any assistance in your selection of LED lights then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01225 460803 and we will be happy to assist you.